Published in Melissa Miles McCarter·PinnedMember-onlyMelissa Miles McCarterWho am I and what do I write about? — I am at heart a mommy who writes on the side. But it took a long time to earn that title. From the loss of my daughter to SIDS, the ups and downs of step-parenting my now 20 year old, to a long journey of infertility that culminated in my now 5 year old daughter arriving by way of IVF…Writing2 min read
Published in Melissa Miles McCarter·PinnedMember-onlyA Shot Made My Child a SuperheroWhy we chose to vaccinate our daughter. — My almost 6-year-old daughter was one of the first children to be vaccinated with the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. This occurred as soon as possible right after the one made by Pfizer was recommended by the CDC. …Covid 1910 min read
Published in Pop Off·Jan 24Member-onlyThe Ethical Implications of Family VloggersMaking money off your life sounds appealing — but is it right? — Imagine having videos of your family uploaded to Youtube every day. Or every week. You go on cool vacations, unbox exciting products, have big shopping hauls, and play games as a family. And it’s all captured on film. …Social Media4 min read
Published in Pop Off·Jan 13Member-onlyWhy was Scott Baio trending?Why was Scott Baio trending? Every once in a while I will see someone famous trending and I will be reminded of their existence. One day, Scott Baio got the honor. He was a trending topic on Twitter a few months ago. I was checking this metric, as I did…Pop Culture3 min read
Published in Melissa Miles McCarter·Jan 12Member-onlyI think Covid has jumped the shark.I think Covid has jumped the shark. The first time I thought this is when I saw that a dancing couple would perform virtually AND separately on Dancing With the Stars. All because both the celebrity and the professional dancer tested positive for Covid. Cody Rigsby and Cheryl Burke were…Television5 min read
Published in Melissa On Writing·Jan 4Member-onlyHow to Become a Successful Writer5 important questions writers have and the answers they need. — When becoming better writers, there are often more questions than answers. This uncertainty is actually good. It means you are open to learning. Questioning allows your writing to improve. Knowing the answers helps you become a successful writer. So, what are some questions writers have? …Creativity7 min read
Published in Melissa Miles McCarter·Dec 30, 2021Member-onlyDid you know Lena Dunham has a podcast?Did you know Lena Dunham has a podcast? Lena Dunham was the creator and star of HBO’s show “Girls.” She and her costars were one of the Gen Y voices that ushered in the trend of body and sex-positive feminism that we take for granted now. …Podcast3 min read
Published in Melissa Miles McCarter·Dec 29, 2021Member-onlyThe Pearson family might be about to crush my dreams.The Pearson family might be about to crush my dreams. Let me back up. I’m looking forward to the final season of This is Us. I, like all fans of the show, want to know how it will end. Even if we don’t want it to end. Spoiler alert… I’m…This Is Us3 min read
Published in Pop Off·Dec 28, 2021Member-onlyRefreshing Reboot of Fantasy IslandWhy this new version of the television show is welcomed escapism. — I can remember watching Fantasy Island when I was a child. It was in reruns when I saw it, since I was only 3 years old when it came out in 1978. My sister and I would watch The Love Boat and Fantasy Island on our tiny black and white…Television3 min read
Published in Melissa Miles McCarter·Dec 22, 2021Member-onlyI’m tired of celebrity couples talking about their marriages.I’m tired of celebrity couples talking about their marriages. Have you noticed the trend of celebrities talking about how successful their marriages are? I don’t mind if they are simply saying “this is our experience, this is how we struggle, and this is how we came through it kind of…Pop Culture2 min read